Boat owners know that protecting a boat is just as important as maintaining it. From trailering to local lakes to storing a boat between outings, the right cover makes a real difference. Sharps Tarps has been helping boat owners make smart protection choices since 1978, and one of the most common questions they hear is whether a boat needs a travel cover, a mooring cover, or both. Understanding the difference is especially important when shopping for boat travel covers in Salt Lake City, UT, where conditions can change quickly.
What Is a Boat Travel Cover?
A boat travel cover is designed specifically for trailering. These covers are built to stay secure at highway speeds while protecting the boat from wind, dust, road debris, and sun exposure. Travel covers must fit tightly, resist flapping, and handle constant movement without tearing or shifting.
Sharps Tarps custom builds every travel cover to match the exact shape of the boat. Using Sunbrella fabric with a 10-year manufacturer warranty, each cover is made to hold up against Utah’s strong sun and dry climate. Heat-welded and lock-stitched seams add strength, while stainless steel snap studs and a reinforced webbing band around the perimeter help keep the cover firmly in place during transport.
What Is a Mooring Cover?
A mooring cover is designed for stationary protection. These covers are ideal when a boat is parked at a dock, driveway, or storage area. Their main job is to shield the boat from sun, rain, dirt, and debris when it is not being used.
Unlike travel covers, mooring covers are not meant to handle highway wind or long-distance towing. They often allow for more ventilation and flexibility, making them well suited for longer storage periods. Sharps Tarps includes adjustable support poles with snap tips to prevent puddling and sagging, which helps water run off and keeps the cover in better shape over time.
Key Differences Salt Lake City Boat Owners Should Know
The biggest difference between the two covers comes down to movement. Travel covers must stay tight and secure while the boat is moving at speed. Mooring covers focus on protection while the boat is still.
Material strength, reinforcement points, and attachment systems also vary. Travel covers from Sharps Tarps feature foam pad reinforcement with soft-backed vinyl at all wear areas, which reduces friction and prevents damage during transport. Mooring covers prioritize coverage and drainage, helping protect the boat while it sits for days or weeks.
Using the wrong cover for the wrong purpose can shorten its lifespan. Trailering with a mooring cover often leads to tearing, loose seams, and damage to the boat’s finish.
Do You Need Both Types of Covers?
For many Salt Lake City boat owners, the answer is yes. A travel cover protects the boat on the road, while a mooring cover provides dependable protection when the boat is parked. Having both allows each cover to do what it was designed for, which saves money and extends the life of the boat.
Sharps Tarps makes this easier by offering fully custom-fit solutions. With over 55 color options, precise heat-cut edges to prevent fraying, and decades of hands-on experience, their covers are built to last and look good doing it.
Why Custom Fit Matters
A custom fit is not a luxury—it is a necessity. Loose covers flap, wear out faster, and fail to protect critical areas. Every Sharps Tarps cover is measured and built specifically for the boat it protects. This attention to detail ensures better performance, longer life, and greater peace of mind.
Protect Your Boat the Right Way With Sharps Tarps
Choosing between travel and mooring covers does not have to be confusing. With the right guidance and a trusted local manufacturer, boat owners can feel confident in their decision. For high-quality boat travel covers in Salt Lake City, UT, along with custom mooring covers built to exact standards, Sharps Tarps delivers proven protection backed by decades of experience.
